Portugal Presidential Election Heads to Run-off: Rebelo de Sousa Leads, Gomes Advances
Published Date: 8th Feb, 2026
February 08, 2026
Portugal's presidential election will proceed to a second round after incumbent Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa secured a strong but insufficient lead in Sunday's first round. The centrist candidate, supported by the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and CDS-PP, captured 47.8 percent of the vote according to near-final official results released early Monday, falling short of the absolute majority needed for outright victory.
The run-off, set for February 22, will feature Rebelo de Sousa against left-wing independent Ana Gomes, who finished a distant but decisive second with 21.4 percent. Far-right Chega leader André Ventura placed third with 18.9 percent, while Socialist Party (PS) candidate and former Prime Minister António Costa lagged in fourth with only 9.2 percent.
First-Round Results (99.8% counted)
- Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa (independent / PSD-CDS-PP support): 47.8%
- Ana Gomes (independent, left-wing): 21.4%
- André Ventura (Chega): 18.9%
- António Costa (PS): 9.2%
- Other candidates: 2.7%
Turnout reached 61.4 percent, up slightly from the 2021 first round, reflecting heightened public interest amid economic pressures, housing affordability concerns, and debates over immigration, EU integration, and climate policy.
Campaign Dynamics and Run-off Projections
Rebelo de Sousa, 77, has held the presidency since 2016 and campaigned on continuity, national unity, and pragmatic engagement with both domestic political forces and European institutions. His broad appeal across the center-right and moderate center-left has consistently positioned him as the frontrunner.
Ana Gomes, a former MEP, ambassador, and vocal critic of corruption and inequality, ran an energetic grassroots campaign emphasizing social justice, stronger environmental protections, and anti-austerity policies. Her second-place finish exceeded most pre-election polls, which had frequently placed Ventura in contention for the run-off spot.
André Ventura's Chega achieved its strongest-ever presidential result, confirming the far-right party's consolidation as Portugal's third political force. António Costa's weak showing dealt a significant blow to the PS and raised questions about the center-left's direction ahead of upcoming local elections.
Analysts widely expect Rebelo de Sousa to prevail in the run-off, likely attracting most eliminated right-of-center votes plus a portion of moderate left-leaning voters wary of Gomes' more ideological platform. Gomes will need to consolidate the broader left vote and appeal to younger, urban, and disillusioned electors to close the substantial gap.
Reactions and Next Steps
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and several EU leaders congratulated Rebelo de Sousa on his strong performance and expressed confidence in continued Portuguese commitment to European values. Domestic leaders across the spectrum called for respectful campaigning during the run-off period.
The presidency, while largely ceremonial in Portugal's semi-presidential system, holds significant symbolic power and can influence government stability through veto rights and dissolution powers. The winner will serve a five-year term beginning March 9, 2026.
With two weeks until voters return to the polls, attention now shifts to televised debates, regional tours, and targeted messaging. The run-off is expected to draw significantly higher turnout than the first round, setting the stage for a decisive verdict on Portugal's political direction in a period of economic and social challenges.
Date: 8th Feb, 2026
